The Effectiveness of Aquaculture Equipment Assistance for Fish Farming Groups (Pokdakan) in Palmatak Subdistrict, Anambas Islands Regency

Abstract

The fisheries aquaculture assistance program is a policy implemented by the Department of Fisheries, Agriculture, and Food Security (DPPP) of the Anambas Islands Regency to support Fish Farmer Groups (*Pokdakan*) in Palmatak District through the distribution of *jongkong* boats, floating net cages, and grouper fish seed during the 2023–2024 period. This study aims to determine the effectiveness of the assistance program. The research employed a descriptive quantitative approach involving 56 respondents selected through proportionate stratified random sampling. Data were collected using a Likert-scale questionnaire and analyzed through descriptive statistics (mean and standard deviation) based on four effectiveness indicators proposed by Subagyo (as cited in Budiani, 2007): target accuracy, program socialization, program objectives, and program monitoring. The research instrument was found to be valid and reliable, with a Cronbach’s Alpha coefficient of 0.851. The results indicate that the effectiveness of the program falls within the Very Good category, with an overall mean score of 3.57. The Program Monitoring indicator achieved the highest mean score of 3.67, followed by Target Accuracy with a score of 3.63, while Program Socialization and Program Objectives each obtained a mean score of 3.49. A small number of recipients of the 2024 floating net cage assistance perceived that the type of assistance provided did not fully meet their needs, and the aspect related to increasing harvest frequency received relatively lower evaluations. It can be concluded that the fisheries aquaculture assistance program has been implemented effectively. Therefore, the DPPP is recommended to continue conducting periodic evaluations and improving the distribution mechanism of assistance programs.